Target-trap.



PAT'ENTED DEC. 11, 1906.

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J. BROOK-MAN.

TARGET TRAP.

APPLICATION FILED -TULY30.1904.

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No. 838,376. 'PATENTED DEC. 11, 1906. J. H; BROOKMAN.

TARGET TRAP. APPLIOA'IIION rum) JULY30.1904.

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rrnn STATES PATE OFFICE- JOHN H. BROOKMAN, OF CENTRAL CITY, IOWA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO CHARLES B. 1V ARNER, OF CENTRAL CITY, IOWVA.

TARGET-TRAP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 11, 1906.

Application filed July 30.1904. Serial No, 218,887.

To (tZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN H. BROOKMAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cen tral City, in the county of Linn and State of Iowa, have invented a new and useful Target-Trap, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in means for projecting flying. targets, popularly known as clay pigeons.

The object is to provide novel means of a simple nature that will more effectively and expeditiously project targets, said mechanism being controlled in a very simple and efficient manner.

There are some features of the present invention that are covered by claims in a copending application, Serial N o. 15 1,16 1, filed April 24, 1903, and consequently no claims to the same are made in the present application.

An embodiment of the invention that is at present considered preferable is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and is described in the following specification.

An inspection of the claims hereto ap pended will show that the invention is not limited to the particular construction illustrated and described, but is open to various changes and modifications.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a top plan view of the target-trap with the projecting mechanism in set position and before a target has been fed to the projecting mechanism. Fig. 2 is a top plan View after the arm has been swung to project a target. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the machine with the parts as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 41 is a longitudinal sectional view with the parts as illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the latch and operating means therefor detached from the remainder of the mechanism. Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the supporting-frame.

Similar reference-numerals indicate corre sponding parts in all thefigures of the drawmgs.

In the embodiment illustrated, a base 7 is employed having suitable feet 8, through which fasteners may be passed for securing the machine in place.

trally-disposed upstanding boss 9, upon which a U-shaped yoke 10 is pivoted by This base has a cenmeans of a vertically-disposed bolt 11. The yoke 10 constitutes part of the supporting frame, the remainder of which consists of a pair of guides 12, pivoted, as shown at 13, t the upstanding legs of the yoke, one of said guides being provided with a forwardly-proj ecting bar or arm 14.

The guides 12 and arm 14 are capable of within the yoke and being arranged to engage in any of a series of sockets 18, formed in an upstanding holding-plate 19, securedv to the base. This bolt, however, is normally held disengaged from the plate 19 by means of a s rin 20 that bears a ainst it in a direc- P o e tion to urge the bolt rearwardly or away from said plate. A lever 21, attached to the frame, constitutes the means for swinging the same to any quarter desired.

The target-projecting mechanism in the present instance consists of an oscillatory arm 22, carried by the upper end of a vertical stem 23, that is ournaled in the front end of the supporting-bar 14. The arm 22 is se-. cured between its ends to the stem 23, and the shorter portion on one side of said stem is provided at its free terminal with an upstanding pintle 24, to which an actuating-spring 25 is attached, said spring being adjustably secured, by means of a bolt 26, to a lug 27, mounted upon the bar 14, between the ends of the same, and therefore in rear of the stem 23. The free end of the projecting or throwing arm 22 pivotally supports a target-carrier,

- which may be of any suitable construction,

comprising in the present instance relatively movable fingers 28, one of which has a targetholding boss 29, the other being provided with a target-retaining plate 30. A spring-actuated stem 31, connecting the fingers, serves to urge them toward each other and yet permits their outward movement under suitable pressure of an entering target.

Means are employed for feeding targets to the target-carrier, the means in this particu-' lar structure being the same as that illustrated, described, and claimed in the copending application, to which reference has already been madethat is to say, a plate 32 is secured upon the guides 12 and supports a magazine 33, within which a stack of targets is adapted to be placed. Operating in the lower portion of the magazine and pivoted between their ends to the plate 32 are jaws 34, normally held together by a spring 35, connecting their front ends, the rear ends of the jaws extending beyond the rear edge of the plate 32. The said plate has an opening therethrough that is alined with the interior of the magazine, so as to permit the targets, which are ordinarily held by the jaws, to drop down upon the guides 12, when the jaws are separated to release them. A plunger 36 is slidably mounted in the guideways and operates beneath the magazine, said plunger having stops 37, adapted to abut against the rear edge of the plate 32 to limit the forward movement of said plunger, and being furthermore provided with adjustably-mounted projections or dogs 38, that are arranged to engage the rear ends of the jaws 34 when theplunger is moved forward, so as to separate said jaws, and thereby release the targets. The reciprocation of the plunger is effected in this embodiment of the invention by means of an actuating-lever 39, located in rear of the trap and having a link connection 40 with a depending lug 41, carried by the rear end of the plunger. The projecting arm 22 when in set position, or, in other words, in a position from which it is actuated by the spring 25, is held by a latch 42, pivoted upon the bar 14 and having a link connection 43 with the outstanding free end of an operatinglever 44, pivoted upon the under side of the bar 14 at its juncture with one of the guides 12. The inner end of the lever 44 is located beneath the plunger-36 and is furthermore disposed in the path of movement of a depending pin 45, carried by said plunger. A spring 46, connecting the outer arm of the lever 44 and the bar 14, serves to yieldingly hold said outer arm forward, and consequently the latch elevated. A look for holding the target-carrier is carried by the suporting-frame, and, as clearly illustrated in ,ig'. 7, consists of a hook 40 pivoted at one end, as shown at 41 to the under side of one of the guides 12 and having at its other end a bill 42, the outer edge of which is adapted to swing against a depending stem 43 on one of the fingers 28. The hook is, however, ordinarily held in retracted position by a spring 44*, secured at one end to the supporting frame and having its other end attached to the hook at one side of the pivot thereof. It will be observed by reference to Fig. 7 that the rear edge of the hook normally extends across the path of movement of the depending pin 45, carried by the plunger. Consequently when said plunger moves forwardly the hook is swung so that the bill 42 thereof engages the stud 43 and consequently securely maintains the target-carrier, comprising the fingers 28, against swinging while the target is being forced between the said fingers.

The lower end of the stem 23, constituting the pivot for the throwing-arm 22, extends beneath the bar 14 and carries a rigidlymounted crank 47. The free end of this crank is connected, by means of a link 48, with the free end of an idler-crank 49, and an actuating-bar 50, pivotally connected to the plunger through the medium of the depending lug 41, has a sliding connection with the idler-crank 49, and consequently with the other crank, being provided with a longitudinally-disposed slot 51, in which the pivot 52 of the idler-crank is engaged. The depending lug 41 of the plunger has attached to it a rearwardly-extending hook 53, having a downturned bill 54, that is arranged to engage the rear end of the locking-bolt 17, that serves to hold the frame and base against relative movement.

The operation of the trap may be briefly outlined as follows: Assuming the parts in the position shown in Fig. 2, it is evident that upon throwing the main actuatinglever 39 rearwardly the plunger 36 will be moved in a similar direction, and consequently the bar 50 will be moved rearwardly and the cranks 47 and 49 will be swung. This will carry the throwing-arm around, placing tension upon the spring 25, and said arm will be locked against-return movement by the latch. 42. While the plunger was in its forward position the jaws 34 were opened, and consequently the stack of targets located in the magazine being released rested on said plunger. When the rearward movement of the plunger occurs, the jaws'being released will again be drawn together, and the stack, with the exception of the lowermost target, held thereby. As the plunger moves from beneath the magazine this lowermost target being free will drop down upon the guideways, or, in other words, to a position in advance of the plunger. This part of the operation is fully illustrated and explained in the copending application. The various parts having now accomplished these movements, the lever is swung in an opposite direction, or, in other words, forwardly. 'A forward movement of the plungerthereupon takes place, and the target, located in advance of the same, is forced between the fingers of the target-carrier, so that the projector is now loaded. During this loading movement the carrier has been locked against swinging upon the arm 22, as already explained. The advance movement of the plunger is not prohibited by the bar 50, as the slot 51 therein will permit its forward movement. A further advance move- ITO ment on the part of the actuating-lever 39 will carry the depending pin 45 into engagement with the inner end of the operating-lever 44 of the latch. Consequently the outer end will be swung rearwardly and the latch, through the medium of the link 43, will be drawn so as to release the arm. Said arm under the tension of the spring will swing quickly around and discharge the target in a manner well understood. This brings the various mechanisms to the positions imtially described, and another rearward and forward movement of the main actuating-lever 39 effects another operation of the trap. One feature to be noted is the means for locking the mechanism so as to project a target in any quarter desired. hen the plunger moves rearwardly, the bill 54 of the hook 53 disengages from the rear end of the sliding bolt 17, and said bolt, under the action of the spring 20, will disengage from the plate 19. The supporting-frame is thus freed and can be turned to any desired position. When such position is obtained, a forward movement of the actuating-lever 39 serves to first load the target-projecting mechanism, as already described, and then free the same, so that the target will be projected. Just prior to the actuation of the latch, however, the bill 54 will engage the bolt 17 and thrust it forward into one of the sockets 18, so that the frame and mechanism carried thereby are posltively locked during the projection of the target. The idler-crank 49, it will be ob served, is somewhat longer than the crank 47, and thus after the target-carrying arm is swung from a set position this idler will maintain the bar 50 and link 48 in a position so that the arm can be retracted. when the plunger is moved rearwardly.

From the foregoing it is thought that the construction, operation, and many advantages of the herein-described invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art with out further description, and it will be understood that various changes in the size, shape, proportion, and minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a target-trap, the combination with an oscillatory target-projecting arm, of a spring for moving the same in one direction, a locking device for holding the arm against movement under the action of the spring, and common means for moving said arm in an opposite direction and into coaction with the locking device, said means also effecting the movement of the device to release the arm and permit its actuation by the spring.

2. In a target-trap, the combination with an oscillatory target -carrying arm, of

means for swinging the same in one direction, a latch for holding the arm against such movement, and means for effecting the movement of the arm in a reverse direction and into engagement with the atch, said latter means also eflecting the movement of the latch to release the arm.

3. In a target-trap, the combination with an oscillatory target-carrying arm, of means for swinging the same in one direc tion, a movable latch for'l'iolding the arm against such movement, means for effecting the movement of the arm in a reverse direction and into coaction with the latch, and an operating device connected to the latch and having a portion located in the path of movement of said latter means.

4. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-projecting device movable from and returnable to a set position, of a latch for holding it in its set position, means for effecting its movement to said set position and into coaction with the latch, and operating means for the latch actuated by said means.

5. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-projecting device movable from and returnable to a set position, of a latch for holding it in its set position, means for effecting its movement to said set position and into coaction with the latch, and operating means for the latch having a portion located in the path of movement of said means.

6. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-projecting device movable from and returnable to a set position, of a latch for holding it in such set position, means for effecting the movement of the device to the set position and into coaction with the latch, and an operating-lever connected to the latch and actuated by the said means.

7. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm movable from and to a set position, of a spring for swinging the arm from the said position, a latch for holding the arm in its set position, means for returning the arm to said. set position and into coaction with the latch, an opcrating-lever pivoted between its ends, said lever having one end located in the path of movement of said means, and a link connecting the other end of the lever and the latch.

8. In a target-trap, the combination with an oscillatory target carrying arm, of means for swinging the same in one direction, a latch for holding the arm against such movement, means for feeding targets to the target-carrying arm, said means including a reciprocatory device, and another device located in the path of movement of the reciprocatory device and having a link connection with the latch.

9. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm having a crank, of an idler-crank, a connection between the cranks, and means connected to one of the cranks for swinging said cranks crank rigidly aflixed thereto, of a spring for swinging the arm in one direction, an idlercrank located at one side of the carrier-arm crank, a link connection between the cranks, and a longitudinally movable bar connected to one of the cranks for moving the same.

11. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target carrying arm having a crank rigidly aflixed thereto, of a spring for swinging the arm in one direction, an idlere crank located at one side of the carrier-arm crank, a link connection between the cranks, and a longitudinally-movable bar having a sliding connection with the idler-crank.

12. In a targettrap, the combination with an oscillatory target-projecting arm, of a spring for moving the same in one direction, target-feeding .means, and common means for actuating the feeding means and effecting the release of the projecting arm after a target has been fed thereto.

13. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of means for feeding targets thereto, a latch-for holding the projector against movement, and actuating means for the latch located in the path of movement of the target-feeding means.

14:. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of means for feeding targets thereto, a latch for holding the projector against movement, actuating means for the latch operated by the targetfeeding means, and mechanism for actuating the target-feeding means.

15. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of means for feeding targets thereto including a plunger, a latch for holding the projector against move ment, and actuating means for the latch cperated by the plunger during its movement.

16. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of means for feeding targets thereto including a plunger, a latch for holding the projector against movement, and a lever having a connection with the latch and operated by the plunger during the movement of the same.

17, In a target-trap, the combination with i a target-carrying arm, .of means for feeding targets thereto including a reciprocatory plunger, a latch for holding the arm against its swinging movement, and a lever pivoted between its ends, said lever having a connection with the latch and being operated by the plunger.

'18. In a target-trap, the combination with a spring-actuated target-carrying arm, of means for feeding targets thereto comprising a magazine and a reciprocatory plunger, a latch for holding the arm against movement under the action of the spring, a lever pivoted between its ends, a link having a connection with one end of the lever and with the latch, and a lug' carried by the plunger and arranged to engage the lever for moving the same and thereby effecting the movement of the latch.

19. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of movable means for feeding targets thereto, means for moving the target-projector, said moving means being connected to the target-feeding means and operated thereby, means connected to said feeding means for moving the same, and a spring separate from said moving means for automatically operating the proj ector.

20. In a target-trap, the combination with 'a swinging target-carrying arm, of targetfeeding means including a movable plunger, a sliding connection between the plunger and the arm, means connected to the plunger for moving the same and, through the sliding connection, effecting the swinging of the arm in one direction, and a spring separate from the plunger-moving means for .automatically swinging the arm in an opposite direction.

21. In a target-trap, the combination with an oscillatory target-projecting arm, of a spring for swinging the same in one direction, means separate from the spring for feeding the targets to the arm, including a reciprocatory plunger, a sliding connection between the plunger and the arm, and means for positively moving the plunger in opposite direc tions. I

22. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of a latch for holding the same against movement, means for feeding tar-gets to the projector, means for effecting the movement of the projector and the latch from the feeding means, and operating mechanism connected to said feeding means.

23 In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of a latch for holding the same against movement, means for feeding targets to the projector including a plunger, means actuated by the plunger for effecting the movement of the projector and the latch, and means connected to the plunger for moving the same.

24. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a spring for operating the same, a latch for holding the arm against movement, means for feeding the targets to the arm, said means including a reciprocatory plunger, connections between the plunger and the arm for moving the latter in one direction, a lever having a connection with the latch and operated by the plunger, and means for effecting the reciprocatory movement of the plunger.

25. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of a latch for III) holding the projector against movement, means for feeding targets to the projector, and actuating mechanism movable in opposite directions and coacting with the projec tor, the latch, and the feeding means, said actuating mechanism when moving in one direction effecting the movement of the projector and when moving in an opposite direction effecting the movement of the feeding means to deliver a target to the projector and moving the latch to free said projector.

26. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable support, of locking means for the support, target-projecting mechanism carried by the support and including a targetcarrying arm, means for holding the arm against movement, and common means for effecting the movement of the arm into engagement with the holding means and the movement of the holding means to release the arm.

27. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable support, of locking means for the support, target-projecting mechanism carried by the support and including a latch for holding the mechanism against movement, and common means for effecting the movement of the latch and the lock.

28. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable support, of locking means for the sup ort, target-projecting mechanism carrier by the support, means for feeding targets to the projecting mechanism, and common means for effecting the movement of the feeding means and the locking means.

29. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable support, of a swinging target-proj ecting arm, means for swinging the arm in one direction, a lock for holding the support against movement, and a device operated by the swinging means for moving the lock.

30. In a target-trap, the combination with a base, of a frame pivotally supported thereon, a lock for holding the frame against movement on the base including a sliding bolt, a swinging target-projecting arm, means for swinging the arm in one direction, and a device carried by said swinging means and arranged to engage the bolt for moving the same.

31. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable support, of a lock for holding the support against movement, a swinging arm mounted on the support, a spring for moving the arm in one direction, a latch for holding said arm against movement, means forelfecting the movement of the latch and locking means for the support.

32. In a target-trap, the combination'with a base, of a frame pivotally supported on the base, locking means for holding the frame against movement on the base, said means including a sliding bolt, a swinging targetprojecting arm mounted on the frame, a spring for swinging the arm, a latch for holdarranged to engage the bolt for effecting the movement thereof.

33. In a target-trap, the combination with -a movable support, of a lock for holding the support against movement, a swinging target-carrying arm, means for swinging the arm, targetfeeding means including aplunger, means for actuating the plunger, and ,a device movable with the plunger for actuating the lock.

34. i In a target-trap, the combination with a base, of a frame pivotally supported thereon, target-projecting mechanism mounted on the frame, means for feeding the targets to the projecting mechanism including a reciprocatory plunger, means for reciprocating the plunger, locking means for holding the frame against movement on the support including a sliding bolt, and a device carried by the plunger and arranged to engage the bolt for moving the same.

35. In a targettrap, the combination with a base, of a frame pivotally supported thereon, an upstanding plate carried by the base and having a plurality of sockets, a bolt carried by the frame and arranged to engage in the sockets, target-projecting mechanism mounted on the frame, and means for controlling the movement of the mechanism, said means including a device that engages the bolt and moves the same.

' 36. In a targettrap, the combination with a base, of a frame swingingly mounted thereon, target-projecting mechanism mounted on the frame, a movable lock for holding the frame against movement on thebase, and means for operating the lock, said means including an actuating device located in rear of the trap and having a connection therewith.

37. In a target-trap,the combination with a base, of a frame swingingly mounted thereon, target projecting mechanism carried by the frame, a movable lock for holding the frame against movement on the base, and operating means for the lock including an actuating-lever located at one side of the trap and having a rigid link connection therewith.

38. In a target-trap, the combination with a base, of a frame pivotally supported thereon, a sliding bolt for holding the frame and base against relative movement, a reciprocatory member mounted on the frame and having a bolt-engaging device, and actuating means located at a distance from the trap and having a connection with the reciprocatory member.

39. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier, of a target-holding device movably mounted thereon, and means for securing the device against movement on the carrier.

40. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrying arm, of a target-holding device pivoted on the arm and movable therewith, and means for holding the device against its pivotal movement on the carrier. 41. In a target-trap, the combination with a pivoted target-carrying arm movable from and to a set position, of a target holding device comprising pivotally-associated fingers pivoted on the arm, and means for holding the device against its pivotal movement on the arm when in a set position.

42. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier, of a target-holding device movably mounted thereon, means for feeding targets to the holding device, and means for securing the device against movement on the carrier while a target is being fed thereto.

43. In a targettrap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm movable from and to a set position, of a target-holding device pivoted upon the arm, means for feeding targets to the device when the arm is in its set position, and means for-securing the device against movement on the arm while a target is being fed thereto.

44. In a target-trap, the combination with a pivoted target-carrying arm, of a targetholding device pivoted thereon, means for feeding targets to the device, said means including a reciprocatory plunger, and a lock ing-hook adapted to engage the target-holding device while a target is being fed thereto, said hook being operated by the plunger upon the movement of the same.

45. The combination in a target-throwing trap, of a frame, a throwing-arm mounted on the frame, a spring for operating the arm in its throwing operation, means for shifting the position of the frame, a lock for securing the frame in shifted position, and a common operating mechanism for setting and tripping the trap and shifting the position of the mechanism, substantially as set forth.

46. In a target-trap, a stationary base, a normally revoluble pedestal on said base, a suitable throw-arm carried by said pedestal, and means for automatically locking said pedestal to said base as said throw-arm is released to permit the discharge of a target.

47. In a targettrap, a suitable base, a pedestal carried by said base, a throw-arm carried by said pedestal, tensioning and releasing means for said throw-arm, and means whereby said base and pedestal are locked together upon the releasing movement of said discharging means.

48. In a target-trap, a suitable base, a pedestal, movable on said base, a throw-arm carried by said pedestal, tensioning and releasing means for said throw-arm, and means whereby said base and pedestal are locked together upon the action of said discharging means and unlocked upon the release of said means.

49. In a target-trap, a suitable base, a pedsaid base and pedestal are locked together.

as the device is given its releasing movement.

51. In a target-trap, a perforate base, a revoluble carrying means on said base, a throwarm carriedby said means, means for operating said arm, a locking device mounted on said carrying means, and movable into one of the perforations in said base, and common means for efiecting the movement of the locking device and the throw-arm.

52. In a target-trap, a suitable base, .a carrying means suitably mounted on said base, a throw-arm suitably mounted on said carrying means, a locking device mounted on said carrying means and yieldingly held out of engagement with said base, and means for automatically moving the locking device into contact with said base upon the discharge movement of the throw-arm.

53. In a target-trap, a suitable base, a carrying means on said base, and a throw-arm carried thereby, a locking device movably mounted on said carrying means, a spring on the locking device for, yieldingly retaining the same out of contact with said base, and means for automatically moving the device against the action of the spring upon the discharge of said throw-arm.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto afiixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

JOHN H. BROOKMAN.

Witnesses:

FRANK EVANS, H. M. BROOKMAN. 

